Tafsir of Al-Ma'aarij 70:36

Al-Ma'arij: (36) So what is it with those who disbelieve...

{مُهْطِعِينَ} (gazing intently/stretching their necks):

• It means hastening (moving quickly).
• It is also said to mean stretching out their necks.
• They cite the following verse as evidence:

  "In Mecca are its people, and indeed I see them In Mecca, stretching their necks toward the listening [to the Qur'an]."

• Both interpretations are close in meaning. It is narrated that the polytheists used to surround the Prophet (peace be upon him) in circles, group by group, listening and mocking his words. They would say: "If these people enter Paradise as Muhammad claims, then we will surely enter it before them." Then this verse was revealed.
• Therefore, His statement {مُهْطِعِينَ} means: hastening toward you, stretching out their necks toward you, turning their gaze upon you.
• Abu Muslim said: The apparent meaning of the verse indicates that they are the hypocrites. They were the ones near him, and their mentioned hastening is hastening in disbelief, like His saying: {Let not those who hasten into disbelief grieve you} (Al-Ma'idah: 42).

Then He said:

! 7 < { عَنِ الْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ الشِّمَالِ عِزِينَ } . > 7 ! < {in groups to the right and to the left, in parties}